after nine years, the war in iraq was over. today, iraq has a chance to forge its own destiny. there are no american troops fighting and dying in iraq. on this anniversary, we honor the memory of all who gave their lives there. nearly 145,000 patriots. we salute all who served there. when i was here two years ago, i told you something else. that we had more work to do, including taking the fight to al qaeda. and there, too, i meant what i said. with allies and partners, we have taken out more top al qaeda terrorists than at any time since 9/11, and thanks to the courage of our forces, al qaeda is on the road to defeat and bin laden will never again threaten the united states of america. [applause] two years ago, i also told you that we would keep up the fight in afghanistan. i know some of you recently got back. on behalf of a grateful nation, welcome home. some of your buddies are in afghanistan right now, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the troops from bliss deployed around the world, including afghanistan. the war eagles and the highlanders. i know some of you will